Which Canon is Best for Newbie

[Mr. Photo]

I'm having the hardest time trying to figure out which camera is best for me. I have read your reviews over and over again as well as visited the forums, but stillc an't decide. I do know what I want in a camera, but there are so many choices it boggles my mind. Some features I know I want in a camera are:

rechargeable battery
long battery life

large memory size to hold many pictures while traveling (no access to a computer)
USB plug and download support

Good resolution, at least 2-3 megapixel with ability to take small pics (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768) as well as the larger resolutions
Not too large but not too small so you can't even grip it.

Automatic flash and automatic image brightness since I'm not good with that part of picture taking
Good Zoom capability to zoom in on small objects within a large view.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Brant Smith]

I'm having the hardest time trying to figure out which camera is
best for me. I have read your reviews over and over again as well
as visited the forums, but stillc an't decide. I do know what I
want in a camera, but there are so many choices it boggles my
mind. Some features I know I want in a camera are:

rechargeable battery
long battery life
large memory size to hold many pictures while traveling (no access
to a computer)

This has little to nothing to do with the camera, but has to do with which memory card you buy, as the card that comes with most cameras is way to small. You probably need a 256MB to 512MB card

USB plug and download support
Good resolution, at least 2-3 megapixel with ability to take small
pics (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768) as well as the larger resolutions
Not too large but not too small so you can't even grip it.
Automatic flash and automatic image brightness since I'm not good
with that part of picture taking
Good Zoom capability to zoom in on small objects within a large view.

Typically 4-5x is all you can handle without a tripod or image stabilizers. So if you are looking for a great zoom, beyond the common 4-5x, you are looking at a larger camera or packing around a tripod.

Thanks for any help.

Not surprised that you are confused. Your criterian fit most digital cameras or none at all.

Ask yourself what you are really looking for, and what differentiates between the different type of cameras. What markets is Canon going for, and which do you fall into. For instance:

Digital Elphs are good, compact, fit in the pocket or purse point and shoot cameras. For people that just want to take quick quality pictures, but not pack around much or learn a bunch of manual controls.

The A series (A70) is a good middle of the road camera. It has manual and auto features, but not as much as the S and G series. So it is more than a point and shoot, but with 3.2 MP resolution, it falls below the next level. But is also ~$140 less expensive than the next level.

The Powershot S series. Basically compact, less expensive, top of the line. Near full line of features, but compact. Higher res (4-5 MP). Probably aimed at serious amateurs who want a good camera that is nice an compact. Has enough features that you an grow into the camera as a phototgrapher. Could easily be the primary camera, but likely second smaller camera for people with SLRs (such as myself).

The G series. Top of the line point and shoot. Full features, but bulkier than the S series. 4x zoom and hot shoe. 4 MP. This pretty much has it all, but with a price. Again, the camera has enough features that it will match you as you grow as a photographer. Aimed at the serious amateur as their primary camera (my guess), or again for an SLR owner as a second camera.

So what are you? I feel on the S series (proud S45 owner). I have a film SLR that I use a lot, but want to take quality pics from something more compact. Would love a G3, but was a little pricey. Thought about the A70, but wanted higher res and a little more compact. Thus, the S series.

Like you, I was very confused, and spent a lot of time thinking about it. They are all good cameras, with very similar features. No camera is perfect.
Good hunting.

 

[Linda5510]

Go back and read the reviews on the Canon A70.
Then go to your local camera store or department store with
a camera department and handle the A70 to get a feel for it.

This would be a great camera for someone new to digital
photography but you have to decide if it really is for yourself.
As ditital cameras go, its not that expensive and has loads
of features. Buy youself a couple of NiMH batteries, a charger
(if you dont have one) and some CF memory cards and your
ready to ROCK and ROLL.

Good luck. Have fun.

Linda

I'm having the hardest time trying to figure out which camera is
best for me. I have read your reviews over and over again as well
as visited the forums, but stillc an't decide. I do know what I
want in a camera, but there are so many choices it boggles my
mind. Some features I know I want in a camera are:

rechargeable battery
long battery life
large memory size to hold many pictures while traveling (no access
to a computer)
USB plug and download support
Good resolution, at least 2-3 megapixel with ability to take small
pics (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768) as well as the larger resolutions
Not too large but not too small so you can't even grip it.
Automatic flash and automatic image brightness since I'm not good
with that part of picture taking
Good Zoom capability to zoom in on small objects within a large view.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Mr. Photo]

Thank you both for responses. I have read the A70 but I'm worried it's not enough as far as the future holds. What if I get really good with digital photography and want to upgrade? Then I've wasted my money. I like the idea of a point and shoot camera, but thats in the early stages. As I get better and more serious with photography, I may want a camera with more features.

Okay, since the memory sticks and the batteries pertain to all cameras, I'll erase that criteria. So what I know I want is a camera that is not too large, but not too small. Something that fits in an averge hand with ease, taking pictures with it is simple, is durable enough so I can pack it away in a rucksack while hiking or take it to the beach and get sand all over it. I would like the camera to have good resolution and good zoom. Doesn't have to be top of line but not low level either. I would like the camera to at first take care of the flash and lighting for me, but can allow me to adjust this stuff as I get better. I would also like a camera that allows me to take a large picture that will include a large group of people for example or zoom in on something small like a bee on a flower. So what do you think fits the bill? Plus I don't think we have a digital camera shop other then your basic Walmarts, Best Buy, Sears, Circuit City, Wolf Cameras.

 

[Stevieboroboy]

I'm having the hardest time trying to figure out which camera is
best for me. I have read your reviews over and over again as well
as visited the forums, but stillc an't decide. I do know what I
want in a camera, but there are so many choices it boggles my
mind. Some features I know I want in a camera are:

rechargeable battery
long battery life
large memory size to hold many pictures while traveling (no access
to a computer)
USB plug and download support
Good resolution, at least 2-3 megapixel with ability to take small
pics (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768) as well as the larger resolutions
Not too large but not too small so you can't even grip it.
Automatic flash and automatic image brightness since I'm not good
with that part of picture taking
Good Zoom capability to zoom in on small objects within a large view.

Thanks for any help.

Go for the best that you can afford. Most people start with a cheap camera, get hooked and then wish they'd boughta better one. Go for a g3 or s50. You won't be dissappointed and you can learn along the way!

 

[ChildOfThe60s]

I was in a similar predicament as you until yesterday. I narrowed my choice down to the S400 and the G3. I went with the G3 because I felt that it was a camera that I could "grow into." Cnet.com and Epinions.com both have actual user reviews so they might be a big help to you. Just remember when reading the negatives; EVERY digicam has it's drawbacks and most can be overcome with some practice. Low light focusing is tough for digicams but G3 (and others) have AutoFocus (AF) assist to help out. Oh - DO get out there & handle them!! The S400 just felt to teeny in my hands (and I'm a small female).

 

[Brant Smith]

Mr. Photo,

Sand is bad. Remember that. Sand is very bad. Digital cameras are not indestructable, and will require care.

That said, you are still describing an A70, S45/50 or a G3. I would recommend that you check each of the three out, assess your budget, and if all other things are equal, go middle of the road with the S45, or the G3 if you can afford it and think you might like to get into photography and want this to be your primary camera.

Thank you both for responses. I have read the A70 but I'm worried
it's not enough as far as the future holds. What if I get really
good with digital photography and want to upgrade? Then I've wasted
my money. I like the idea of a point and shoot camera, but thats in
the early stages. As I get better and more serious with
photography, I may want a camera with more features.

Okay, since the memory sticks and the batteries pertain to all
cameras, I'll erase that criteria. So what I know I want is a
camera that is not too large, but not too small. Something that
fits in an averge hand with ease, taking pictures with it is
simple, is durable enough so I can pack it away in a rucksack while
hiking or take it to the beach and get sand all over it. I would
like the camera to have good resolution and good zoom. Doesn't have
to be top of line but not low level either. I would like the camera
to at first take care of the flash and lighting for me, but can
allow me to adjust this stuff as I get better. I would also like a
camera that allows me to take a large picture that will include a
large group of people for example or zoom in on something small
like a bee on a flower. So what do you think fits the bill? Plus I
don't think we have a digital camera shop other then your basic
Walmarts, Best Buy, Sears, Circuit City, Wolf Cameras.

 

[Mr. Photo]

The A70 is powered by 4AA batteries. I wanted to avoid AA batteries as they can get expensive and go with recharchable lithium ion battery. Plus it only comes with 16mb memory stick. But it is only $250 compared to the almost $500 S45 and $500+ G3.

And how does one take their camera to the beach and not worry?

Mr. Photo,

Sand is bad. Remember that. Sand is very bad. Digital cameras
are not indestructable, and will require care.

That said, you are still describing an A70, S45/50 or a G3. I
would recommend that you check each of the three out, assess your
budget, and if all other things are equal, go middle of the road
with the S45, or the G3 if you can afford it and think you might
like to get into photography and want this to be your primary
camera.

 

[savagemikel]

Mr. Photo,

Sand is bad. Remember that. Sand is very bad. Digital cameras
are not indestructable, and will require care.

That said, you are still describing an A70, S45/50 or a G3. I
would recommend that you check each of the three out, assess your
budget, and if all other things are equal, go middle of the road
with the S45, or the G3 if you can afford it and think you might
like to get into photography and want this to be your primary
camera.

A second voice to let you know.. Sand is bad.. it is, as was said, very bad. There is not a consumer camera made by any company which you should take to the beach and let sand get all over it.

What you're saying still adds up to the a70 I think. Yes, you may outgrow it. When you do you'll have a better idea of what's involved and what specifically you are looking for. Also, it's quite a bit cheaper than any of the others so it will be less money lost in the end.
It has all the manual controls you will need to learn about what they do though.

Finally... your expectations are too high. It's not magic. It has limits and has requirements, such as keeping sand away from it. ;-)

The camera, or film for that matter, is not as adept as the human eye. It is not as fast either. You percieve more things in focus because your eye is quickly and constantly adjusting its focus for you. With a camera you have to pic one point in time and so select what you want in focus then. Light is the same way.

These are great cams and have wonderul ability. If you think you will just snap away though and always get what you were seeing without any work on your part then I fear you will not be happy.

If you got an a70 you can also get a waterproof case fairly cheap for it (less than $200 I think). This requires a little futzing with to work right; but, is great. You can take it down like 30 meters I think. Lots of fun pics in the surf and such. ;-)

good luck,
savagemike

 

[savagemikel]

The A70 is powered by 4AA batteries. I wanted to avoid AA batteries
as they can get expensive and go with recharchable lithium ion
battery. Plus it only comes with 16mb memory stick. But it is only
$250 compared to the almost $500 S45 and $500+ G3.

And how does one take their camera to the beach and not worry?

Both memory cards are too small and you'll be buying a different one to use. Comact flash is not too expensive. You can get something reasonable at a reasonable price.

For the AA you will be buying rechargables and a charger. It's the only way to go.. both for the environment and for your wallet.
For the beach... you take precautions and are careful. ;-)

-savagemike

 

[Mr. Photo]

I think your right. I'm trying to put too much magic into picking the perfect camera. Just like when I try and find the perfect running shoe. I got into digital photography because I'm in school for X-Ray technology and most hospitals now use digital radiography which works much the same way digital photography works. Used to have to use film and devlop using processors, but not everything is done using computed digital technology and computer software to edit the final image (contrast, cropping, etc...) I guess for a newbie whose been using a Kodack 35 mm simple camera all his life would be best to start with something like the A70. That is if Canon is the way to go. So many companies and cameras out there makes you dizzy.

So the A70 can be upgraded to lithium ion batteries. So how much for example does the lithium ion and charger cost as well as a upgraded memory stick. Buydig sells the cameras with the upgraded stuff for like $60 more.

 

[savagemikel]

I think your right. I'm trying to put too much magic into picking
the perfect camera. Just like when I try and find the perfect
running shoe. I got into digital photography because I'm in school
for X-Ray technology and most hospitals now use digital radiography
which works much the same way digital photography works. Used to
have to use film and devlop using processors, but not everything is
done using computed digital technology and computer software to
edit the final image (contrast, cropping, etc...) I guess for a
newbie whose been using a Kodack 35 mm simple camera all his life
would be best to start with something like the A70. That is if
Canon is the way to go. So many companies and cameras out there
makes you dizzy.

So the A70 can be upgraded to lithium ion batteries. So how much
for example does the lithium ion and charger cost as well as a
upgraded memory stick. Buydig sells the cameras with the upgraded
stuff for like $60 more.

I'm not sure on the cost of lithium battery for the a70. The only thing like that I've seen have been disposable actually. Though it's not like I'm looking so it might be out there.

Look through the forum for a70 battery stuff though.. I know I saw a big thread not too long ago. I didn't read it as that's not what I have.

One other thing... "memory stick" is the specific name of the type of memory which sony uses. All the canon's we've been talking about use "compact flash" memory. It is better than memory stick in that it is available in larger sizes and it is also cheaper I think. Most people view the major problem with sony as there insistance on using this proprietary memory format of theirs.

good luck,
savagemike

...that's interesting about radiography having gone digital. i wasn't aware of that.

 

[Mr. Photo]

Is $266 for the A70 a good price?

And for $170 more I can add:
Kit consists of:

256MB High-Speed Compact Flash Card

Powerhaus 4 1800mAh Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable Batteries with Rapid Charger
Compact Flash USB Card Reader:
Deluxe shockproof, weather-resistant padded digital camera carrying case
Camera and lens care and maintenance cleaning kit.

Of course then the price is $436, price of a S45, G2

View this page for more info about digital X-ray.
http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/digitalradiography/

 

[savagemikel]

Is $266 for the A70 a good price?

And for $170 more I can add:
Kit consists of:

256MB High-Speed Compact Flash Card
Powerhaus 4 1800mAh Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable Batteries
with Rapid Charger
Compact Flash USB Card Reader:
Deluxe shockproof, weather-resistant padded digital camera carrying
case
Camera and lens care and maintenance cleaning kit.

Of course then the price is $436, price of a S45, G2

View this page for more info about digital X-ray.
http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/digitalradiography/

The $266 isn't bad .. or earth shaking either.. does it include tax and shipping.. if not thenn it's nothing to write home about.

The combo pack is overpriced by a long shot... sounds like one of those overpriced e-bay packs.
Buy the camera from an authorized seller.. with a store..

-savagemike

 

[Mr. Photo]

This was from Buydig.com, i thought they were reputable, and it's free shipping.

Where do you recommend getting the camera from and how much do I need to spend on batteries, memory flash, case, etc...?

 

[Cooter]

As far as the local camera shop, find it and become their best friend!!!

In all seriousness, go to the shop, talk with them and if you think the person helping you is not who you want to talk to, ask for somebody different. I purchased an A70 for $300 and got a pretty big discount on the rest of the package, 128 CF, Lowepro case, extended warranty and card reader for $150. I purchase NiMH from Maha Energy http://www.mahaenergy.com and got 8 2200 mHP AA and a duel power charger for $56 including shipping.

If you are new to the digital camera scene like I am, you will need all of the frill stuff to go with it, so a true camera store will help you out. In fact the store manager told me to go ahead and get the Maha battery package, better than any deal that he could come up with. Passing on a sale to make a customer happy, that is good business. I will be going back soon!!!

 

[Digital Inquisitor]

The A70 is powered by 4AA batteries. I wanted to avoid AA batteries
as they can get expensive and go with recharchable lithium ion
battery. Plus it only comes with 16mb memory stick. But it is only
$250 compared to the almost $500 S45 and $500+ G3.

Actually, the AA batteries in the A70 are a good thing. You can purchase some high capacity NiMH rechargeable AA batteries that will last for hundereds of shots before being discharged. If the charge runs out and you're far from the charger (and want to keep shooting), you can walk into any convenience type stire pretty much anywhere on the planet and purchase batteries that will make you photo ready in minutes.

At this point, I am still evaluating cost of regular AA discount batteries versus rechargeables. I can purchase 16 AA batteries for $10 CDN. So far that means $10 is good for 600 to 700 photos with my heavy display and flash use. So buying a $70 CDN charger means I don't break even until I take 4200 pics! Of course, that's based on me shooting pics like when I was using film (2 rolls a month). With the digital camera, I seem to be doing 100+ pics a week easy, so I may have to spring for the rechargeables soon.

I haven't even used the original batteries that came with my A70. They are wrapped up so neatly in plastic that I threw them in my case as my emergency set of batteries.

 

[savagemikel]

This was from Buydig.com, i thought they were reputable, and it's
free shipping.

Where do you recommend getting the camera from and how much do I
need to spend on batteries, memory flash, case, etc...?

Oh.. buydig is supposed to be good I think. I've never used them. If it were me I'd probably look around the deal sites to see if there were any good officemax or staples coupons floating about and then buy it locally if that turned out to be doable.

Somebody was just talking about tamrac (I think) cases which could go on a belt or a pack strap,etc.. which had a raincover that stuffed into the hood. that would be nice back up perhaps. for the batteries and stuff... not sure... read through the forum for what to buy.

to carry both the cam and extras on something extended like that I'd probably get at least a dry bag for the camera (in case of extended downpours) and/or a drybag or hardshell pelican case for the extra batteries, etc...

-savagemike

 

[savagemikel]

The A70 is powered by 4AA batteries. I wanted to avoid AA batteries
as they can get expensive and go with recharchable lithium ion
battery. Plus it only comes with 16mb memory stick. But it is only
$250 compared to the almost $500 S45 and $500+ G3.

Actually, the AA batteries in the A70 are a good thing. You can
purchase some high capacity NiMH rechargeable AA batteries that
will last for hundereds of shots before being discharged. If the
charge runs out and you're far from the charger (and want to keep
shooting), you can walk into any convenience type stire pretty much
anywhere on the planet and purchase batteries that will make you
photo ready in minutes.

At this point, I am still evaluating cost of regular AA discount
batteries versus rechargeables. I can purchase 16 AA batteries for
$10 CDN. So far that means $10 is good for 600 to 700 photos with
my heavy display and flash use. So buying a $70 CDN charger means
I don't break even until I take 4200 pics! Of course, that's based
on me shooting pics like when I was using film (2 rolls a month).
With the digital camera, I seem to be doing 100+ pics a week easy,
so I may have to spring for the rechargeables soon.

I haven't even used the original batteries that came with my A70.
They are wrapped up so neatly in plastic that I threw them in my
case as my emergency set of batteries.

Hey Inquisitor... not to be too treehugger on ya'.. but think of the landfills too. get the rechargables. ;-)
Even if the cost is a little more, they're worth it.

-savagemike

 

[savagemikel]

This was from Buydig.com, i thought they were reputable, and it's
free shipping.

Where do you recommend getting the camera from and how much do I
need to spend on batteries, memory flash, case, etc...?

Oh.. buydig is supposed to be good I think. I've never used them.
If it were me I'd probably look around the deal sites to see if
there were any good officemax or staples coupons floating about and
then buy it locally if that turned out to be doable.
Somebody was just talking about tamrac (I think) cases which could
go on a belt or a pack strap,etc.. which had a raincover that
stuffed into the hood. that would be nice back up perhaps. for
the batteries and stuff... not sure... read through the forum for
what to buy.
to carry both the cam and extras on something extended like that
I'd probably get at least a dry bag for the camera (in case of
extended downpours) and/or a drybag or hardshell pelican case for
the extra batteries, etc...

-savagemike

hahahah LOL... sorry.. the last bit about the drybags and stuff.... it's not that it's a bad idea actually.. but when I wrote that I was thinking I was in a thread which I had replied to earlier today. in that somebody was looking for a camera to take on an AT thru hike.... which is a long backpacking trip. ;-)

sorry..
savagemike